# Recession-Proof Cars? Lexus HS250 Hybrid Projected to Sell 25,000 Units in First Year By Shelby Lee Walsh | Published 2009-06-16 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recession-proof-rides-lexus-hs250-hybrid References: [greenpacks.org](http://www.greenpacks.org/2009/06/15/lexus-hs250-hybrid-expects-25000-buyers-in-the-first-year/) It is surprising to hear [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-luxury-vehicles) say they will sell 25,000 [Lexus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ux300h) HS250 Hybrids in its first year because, let’s face it, the auto industry has taken a turn for the worse. Sales are way down. Greenpacks.org states the “Lexus Hybrid is Toyota's first hybrid-only luxury model which will be sold in the US… [and] with 60% of the entry level sedan buyers considering a hybrid model, Toyota could actually achieve its targets.” With gas prices so high, it is only natural that people look to fuel-efficient cars. Looks like we’ll have to wait to see if Toyota’s projections are true because the Lexus HS250 doesn’t go on sale until later this summer. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Fuel Efficient Cars:** The rise in gas prices and concern for the environment has created a trend towards fuel efficient cars that might disrupt the traditional car industry and shift consumer preferences. - **Hybrid Car Models:** The success of Toyota's first hybrid-only luxury model, Lexus HS250, can lead to a trend towards hybrid car models and innovation in the luxury car sector. - **Recession-proof Auto Sales:** The success of the Lexus HS250 in projected sales despite the economic downturn may present a trend towards recession-proof auto sales strategies that can transform the industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Automobile:** The automobile industry is expected to undergo a transformation in the production, marketing and sale of hybrid and fuel efficient cars with opportunities for innovation and growth. - **Luxury Car:** The luxury car sector has an opportunity to embrace sustainability as a differentiator and driver of sales by incorporating hybrid technology into their designs. - **Green Energy:** There is an opportunity for green energy and technology industries to partner with the automobile industry in developing sustainable and eco-friendly cars that can disrupt the market and appeal to a growing environmentally conscious consumer base. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Self-Charging Hybrid SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ux300h.md) - [Waterproofed Hybrid SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lexus-lx-700h.md) - [Fully Electric Luxury Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-luxury-vehicles.md) - [Full-Size Hybrid SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-toyota-land-cruiser-hybrid-300.md) - [High-Powered Electric Supercars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lexus-bev-sports.md) - [Sporty Fuel-Efficient SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-subaru-forester-hybrid.md) - [Fuel-Efficient Low Driving Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-prius.md) - [Efficient Entry-Level SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-corolla-cross-hybrid.md) - [Luxury Crossover SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rx.md)